Road and Bridge Research Institute

The effect of pigments and additives on the resistance of organic binders to cyclic changes in temperature, humidity, and UV radiation intensity was investigated. The study involved paints based on two binders used in polyurethane paints, pigmented in various shades of yellow, red, and blue. Both the binders and pigments differed in their weather resistance. The color stability, gloss, water contact angle, and surface energy of the coatings were assessed. Changes in color and gloss depended primarily on UV radiation, while decorative properties depended on the type of pigments in each color group. Smaller changes in color and gloss were caused by changes in humidity and temperature, without the contribution of UV radiation. The more weather-resistant pigmentation protected the binder from degradation, as confirmed by FT-IR.

Urban air pollution poses significant threats to public health, environmental sustainability, and economic stability, with vehicle emissions constituting the largest source of harmful contaminants in urban areas. Addressing these challenges and achieving climate neutrality requires a 90% reduction in transport-related emissions by 2050. As described in the article, Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and Zero Emission Zones (ZEZs) have emerged as key policy instruments aimed at restricting access for high-emission vehicles while promoting cleaner transport alternatives, including public transport, cycling, and walking. In the paper, LEZs are conceptualized as mechanisms designed to improve air quality, protect public health, advance climate objectives, and enhance social inclusion. The effective implementation of LEZs necessitates coordinated engagement among multiple stakeholders, including local authorities, motorists, businesses, environmental non-governmental organizations, public transport operators, residents, and vulnerable social groups. Case studies from London, Warsaw, and Cracow demonstrate diverse governance approaches and stakeholder dynamics, illustrating both the advantages and challenges associated with LEZ implementation. In the paper, the findings indicate that although LEZs contribute to measurable reductions in air pollutants, noise levels, and health risks, they also generate concerns related to equity, economic impacts, and public acceptance, thereby underscoring the need for transparent communication, phased implementation strategies, and targeted support measures to ensure long-term effectiveness and societal acceptance.

This study examines the challenges and potential solutions associated with the retention of stormwater from road surfaces – a critical component of urban infrastructure in the face of climate change. The research highlights that intensified urbanisation and the increasing prevalence of extreme weather events have exacerbated issues related to rapid rainwater runoff, leading to urban flooding and infrastructural degradation. Employing quantitative empirical methods, a survey was conducted among 362 road infrastructure managers in Poland, assessing the technical condition of roads, drainage system performance, and the barriers to adopting modern retention and infiltration solutions. Findings reveal a mixed perception of current drainage performance, with many respondents reporting inadequate solutions that compromise both safety and sustainability. Key barriers include high implementation costs, technical and infrastructural challenges, resistance to change, and limited public awareness. The results underscore the necessity for modern, integrated stormwater management practices that not only protect infrastructure but also enhance urban water balance and sustainability.

This study presents an eco-friendly approach to antibacterial polyester powder coatings by incorporating hybrid additives composed of biopolymers immobilized on halloysite nanotubes. Polylysine (PLY) and quaternized chitosan (CH-Q) were used as natural antimicrobial agents, while halloysite (HAL) acted as a carrier to improve dispersion and reduce leaching. HAL/PLY and HAL/CH-Q hybrids were incorporated into polyester coatings and evaluated for morphology, mechanical properties, water resistance, and antibacterial performance (ISO 22196). The HAL/PLY coating demonstrated a strong bactericidal effect, reducing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by 99.9989% and 99.9993%, respectively. HAL/CH-Q showed moderate activity against E. coli (50.2323%) but high activity against S. aureus (98.6500%). Immobilization of biopolymers on the halloysite surface improved dispersion and barrier properties while enabling a silver-free antibacterial effect. The results demonstrate a sustainable strategy for multifunctional powder coatings based on naturally derived antimicrobial components.

Artykuł prezentuje wyniki analizy skali i struktury zdarzeń drogowych z udziałem pojazdów transportu towarowego w Polsce w 2022 roku. Na podstawie krajowych danych statystycznych przeprowadzono szczegółowe badania wypadków i kolizji obejmujących zarówno samochody dostawcze, jak i ciężarowe, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem ich rozmieszczenia w ujęciu regionalnym, według kategorii dróg, rodzaju zdarzeń oraz lokalizacji. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują na wyraźne różnice regionalne: największą liczbę zdarzeń odnotowano w Polsce centralnej i południowej, zwłaszcza w województwach o dużym natężeniu ruchu i gęstej sieci drogowej. Na szczególne podkreślenie zasługują zdarzenia występujące na autostradach i drogach ekspresowych, które, mimo że stanowią stosunkowo niewielki odsetek całej sieci, generują nieproporcjonalnie wysoki udział wypadków z udziałem pojazdów ciężarowych. Przeprowadzona w pracy analiza pozwoliła również zidentyfikować typowe scenariusze zdarzeń, wśród których najczęściej występują zderzenia boczne oraz najechania na tył, podczas gdy wypadki z udziałem pieszych czy zderzenia czołowe wiążą się zazwyczaj z poważniejszymi skutkami. Artykuł odnosi się także do konsekwencji finansowych omawianych zdarzeń, koncentrując się na kosztach odtworzenia infrastruktury drogowej uszkodzonej przez pojazdy ciężarowe. Wyniki badań wskazują na potrzebę bardziej zróżnicowanego i przestrzennie ukierunkowanego podejścia do zarządzania bezpieczeństwem w transporcie towarowym, które uwzględnia zarówno dynamikę ruchu, jak i podatność poszczególnych użytkowników dróg oraz odporność elementów infrastruktury.

The paper presents the beginnings of diaphragm wall construction in Poland, the improvement of their technology and application, as well as contemporary development trends

The paper presents the general characteristics of weighing systems for vehicles in motion. A number of problems and constraints that accompany these systems to ensure adequate accuracy in the operation of these systems are pointed out. The efficient operation of WIM systems is also related to the proper preselection of vehicles for weighing in motion. The next part of the paper presents the basic classification and characteristics of machine learning algorithms, as well as examples of applications and implementations of these algorithms in various industries. The paper presents a model based on the XGBoost algorithm for estimating the weight of vehicles in motion, taking into account key characteristics of vehicles. The model was tested on large datasets from two locations in Poland, achieving high accuracy rates. The results indicate the model’s potential in optimizing preselection systems, allowing for the effective identification of overloaded vehicles. Future work will focus on testing the model at other locations to verify its scalability and operational efficiency.

The paper summarises selected requirements from public contracts, relating to WIM preselection systems in Poland. The difference between WIM and HS-WIM requirements is presented, and the differing requirements based on both international documentation and the standardised requirements that new or refurbished stations must meet are described.

The present paper focuses on the technological approach to manufacturing composite in the form of Inconel 625 reinforced with tungsten carbide particles. Twenty-four samples with reinforcement amounts ranging from 30 to 90% (wt.%) and different numbers of deposited layers were manufactured with the use of Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS®). The metallurgical quality, microstructure, chemical and phase composition as well as hardness of the produced composites were determined. Digital microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and SEM-EDS were employed for this purpose. Despite numerous cracks, the fabricated samples exhibited a greater hardness than single-layer coatings of analogous composition also produced by additive techniques. This phenomenon is likely a result of repeated crystallization of the composites in remelted areas. A dual mechanism of material strengthening is observed in the additively manufactured composites, both by the presence of reinforcing particles and precipitates of secondary phases.